Thanks to the generosity of the donors in this region, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers, through one centralized application process, scholarship and loan funds. Last year alone, the program attracted around 2,500 applications and awarded approximately $2 million to over 700 recipients and is recognized as one of the largest programs of the 700 plus community foundations in the country. For more information about starting a scholarship fund, please review our guidelines.

These scholarship and interest-free student loan funds support students seeking access to the opportunities offered by higher education and play a substantial role in providing an educated citizenry. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Scholarship and interest-free loan awards are reviewed by volunteer committees and approved by the Board of Trustees. Awards are made subject to availability and to the policies of the Community Foundation. These policies are available for review upon request.

To apply, in addition to the application, available from the menu link on this page on January 1st, you must arrange to have your school send your most recent official academic transcript to the Community Foundation. Also, the submission of a Student Aid Report (SAR) is required. Please review our FAQs for more information.